California 1st in U.S. to crack down on ultra-processed foods in school meals

"California is the first state to define ultra-processed foods and phase them out of school meals,"

"DC politicians can talk all day about 'Making America Healthy Again,' but we've been walking the walk on boosting nutrition and removing toxic additives and dyes for decades."

California law requires the Department of Public Health to adopt regulations by June 1, 2028, defining "ultra-processed foods of concern" and "restricted school foods." Schools must begin phasing out those foods by July 1, 2029. Vendors will be banned from offering restricted school foods and ultra-processed foods of concern to schools on July 1, 2032. Schools will be prohibited from offering these foods starting July 1, 2035. CDC data from 2021–2023 show Americans, including children over age one, obtained more than half their daily calories from ultra-processed foods. State data indicate 32.7% of youth ages 12–19 are prediabetic. The law follows a January executive order directing agencies to recommend actions to limit harms from ultra-processed foods and risky food ingredients. Federal and industry efforts toward definitions and ingredient changes are underway, while critics say single-ingredient swaps may not substantially improve health.

Read at Axios